LA Galaxy target Zardes to remain with CSUB

CSU Bakersfield star Gyasi Zardes will remain in college for the next year after turning down the opportunity to join LA Galaxy.

CSU Bakersfield star Gyasi Zardes will remain in college for the next year after turning down the opportunity to join LA Galaxy.

The reigning MLS champions were looking to sign the 20-year old forward as a Homegrown Player but he will stay at CSUB for one more season before looking at turning pro.

CSUB coach Simon Tobin confirmed that the Galaxy had made an offer of around $100,000 for Zardes, which was reported by Fox News Latino last week, but revealed the star striker will not be heading off just yet.

"That's close to the figure," Tobin said.

"If he works hard, he can be finished with his degree, or come close. He can make very, very good money after another college season.

"The money thing is not an issue. He can go to Sweden tomorrow for the same money. Four or five college kids have gone there the last couple of years.

"The Galaxy is a great team and it's flattered to be considered by them," Tobin added. "But there's not a reserve league in the US.

"The Galaxy has David Beckham and Robbie Keane so it would have been hard for him to get a lot of playing time in the early time of his (pro) career. It probably helps his development playing one more college year.

"When the MLS builds up a reserve league process, that's another situation.